On this day, the 18th of July 2017, I would like to remember Sergeant Dillon C. Baldridge of 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. Sgt. Baldridge was killed on deployment in Afghanistan on June 10th, 2017.

Today Dillon Baldridge would have celebrated his 23rd birthday. On a day such as this, I cannot imagine the pain, sadness and grief felt by those who loved him. All I can do is offer the only thing I have to you, as my way of saying I am here, I grieve with you: I offer you my words.

I would like to write an open letter to his mother, father, stepmother and stepfather, siblings, friends and fellow service members. But primarily, I'd like to address this letter to his mother and father, Mrs.Palmer, and Mr. Baldridge, who have suffered so deeply these past several weeks.

Dear Mrs.Palmer and Mr. Baldridge,

Today, I write an open letter to you and your family, to remember your son, Dillon.

I will begin this letter by saying thank you. Thank you for raising such a fine young man. I never knew your son, but if I did, I'm sure that I would have loved him, like so many others did. From what I've read about him, I can see he was a beautiful person with a beautiful soul, who loved his family and his friends. Furthermore, your son was a true patriot, who loved his country so much that he gave his life for it. As an American citizen, I will be forever in debt to him... and to you. Mrs.Palmer and Mr. Baldridge, your son was, and always will be, a true American hero. Thank you for blessing this earth with his existence.

I will continue my letter by saying sorry. I'm sorry that this unjust world took him from you so early. Too early. I'm sure that he would have been an outstanding husband and father, like he was an outstanding son. The world needs more people like your son. A selfless, loving, patriotic person, who deserved to live a long and happy life. My thoughts and prayers today are for you and your family.

Once again, I'm so sorry for your loss, but I assure you, wherever you may be in this world, that I am with you in spirit, for Dillon.

Finally, I will finish this letter by saying, I promise to remember Dillon. I promise to remember his sacrifice. He should never be forgotten.

I hope you get my letter.

Richie from Project Vigil

A gofundme page has been established in Dillon's memory to help support his family. To access the page, click here

From the US Army: